Flood Alert: Lagos Orders Residents In Vulnerable Areas To Relocate

The Lagos State Government has directed residents of low-lying and flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground following a fresh seven-day flood warning from the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency covering September 19 to 25. The directive, issued Monday and signed by Director of Public Affairs Kunle Adeshina, followed NiHSA’s alert NFA-2026-2022, which affects Lagos and 14 other states, warning that rising river levels and renewed rainfall could threaten communities and critical facilities.

Areas identified as vulnerable include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah, Kirikiri, Ilaje Waterfront Jetty, and communities along the Ogun River such as Isheri North, Kara, Itowolo, Ajegunle, Majidun and Ogolonto. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was treating the alert seriously and had intensified surveillance, urging residents not to wait for floodwaters to rise before leaving, stressing that “no property is worth risking a life.”

Wahab said Lagos typically experiences a second rainy season phase from September, when rising water levels and tidal influences could worsen flooding, and called for heightened vigilance among communities along major waterways. He directed local governments, emergency agencies and community leaders to activate early-warning and response measures, urging residents to move people, livestock and valuables to safety where necessary.

The commissioner also attributed part of the flood risk to blocked drainage channels, appealing to residents to stop dumping refuse in drains and waterways, and cautioned against walking or driving through flooded roads and fast-moving water. He assured residents the state would continue monitoring conditions and providing updates, calling on Lagosians to remain calm and responsive to official advisories.